Inositol Hexaphosphate Benefits, Dosing & Safety Information

Inositol hexaphosphate is a compound that is also commonly called IP6, phytic acid, and/or phytate. It occurs naturally in high-fiber food sources like long-grain rice, beans, legumes, corn, wheat bran, and more.

IP6 is utilized by the body for a variety of important purposes, but is most noted in modern research for its propensity to disrupt the growth of tumors.

Clinical study results have suggested that IP6 is effective at easing the negative effects experienced by chemotherapy patients. It has also been shown to be effective at helping certain chemotherapy agents to function more effectively.

Ongoing research is being conducted to determine whether or not IP6 is an effective agent for preventing the development and spreading of cancerous cells.

Other notable roles of inositol hexaphosphate include the metabolism of calcium and several other important minerals.

Inositol

Nutrient Supplement

Brain Health

Mood

Weight Loss

How It Works:

• Supports brain & liver health
• Involved in mood regulation & nerve signalling
• Improves insulin sensitivity for PCOS, fertility & weight loss

Dosage:

Between 500 mg - 18 g per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Inositol Hexaphosphate and Cancer

Inositol hexaphosphate has been shown to have anticancer activity in colon, breast, skin, liver, blood, and prostate cancer models.

It demonstrates anti-oxidizing traits that block the ability of free radicals to damage cells.

Preliminary research shows that IP-6 inhibits the signals that tell cancer cells to continue developing. Further, in in vitro studies it has been seen to increase cancer cell differentiation, which sometimes results in the cells reverting back to non-cancerous normal calls.

IP-6 is also thought to have antiangiogenic activity, meaning that it may be able to block the development of new blood vessels to tumors. In vitro, IP-6 inhibited experimentally induced blood vessel formation.

Inositol hexaphosphate is also being studied for its ability to prevent:

• Formation of kidney stones
• Liver disease
• Heart disease
• High cholesterol

What is Inositol?

Inositol is a simple carbohydrate that consists of 12 hydrogen atoms, 6 carbon atoms, and 6 oxygen atoms. It is very similar in chemical makeup to glucose.

Because of its structure and effects within the body, Inositol was previously classified in the B Vitamin family, and was sometimes called Vitamin B8. More recently it has been determined that inositol is not a true vitamin, but rather a pseudovitamin, however it does still share many characteristics with the B vitamins.

The body is able to manufacture Inositol from glucose, making deficiencies very rare. In fact, the human body stores inositol in higher quantities than all B vitamins except for niacin (B3). However, in certain situations Inositiol deficiencies can occur, and low levels of this compound have been linked to depression, OCD, and other mood disorders.

Inositol is similar to choline in the body, acting as a lipotropic agent that assists in emulsifying fats. Inositol hexaphosphate is quite similar to myo-inositol, a compound currently being researched for its abilities to treat anxiety and depression symptoms.

Clinical Research on Inositol Hexaphosphate

Inositol hexaphosphate has been research for decades, with clinical trials beginning in the mid-1980s at the University of Maryland. Lab results have consistently shown promise for IP6 returning cancer cells to their normal functioning and encouraging normalized cellular necrosis (cell death).

No human trials have been conducted concerning IP6’s capacity to fight cancer. All studies to date have been conducted in vitro and on animals.

Inositol hexaphosphate is also being studied for its capacities to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), polycystic ovary syndrome, PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), autism, depression, panic attacks and Alzheimer’s disease. No conclusive findings have been published currently.

No specific research has been conducted concerning the overall safety of inositol hexaphosphate supplementation. Although no negative effects have been recorded to say that it is not safe, no clinical testing has been dedicated to the effort. Most health experts recommend increasing IP6 levels naturally via the diet before using any supplements.

At this time in the United Sates, Inositol hexaphosphate is available as a dietary supplement only, and the FDA has not approved Inositol hexaphosphate as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

IP6 Safety Concerns

Although IP6 is considered safe as a naturally occurring dietary constituent, it has not been tested for safety when taken in medical levels. It is not recommended for the following groups:

• Women who are breastfeeding or pregnant should not use IP6 supplements until further clinical testing is conducted.
• Although it has not been shown in humans, IP6 has slowed the clotting of blood in lab animals. Those with clotting disorders should not use IP6 supplements.
• Because IP6 binds with iron in the gastrointestinal tract, it reduces the amount of iron that is absorbed from the diet. Those with iron deficiencies and/or anemia should not use IP6 supplements.
• IP6 binds with calcium in the digestive system as well. As with iron, this reduces the amount of calcium absorbed by the body from food sources. Reduced calcium absorption can lead to soft bones.
• Because of the concerns about diminished clotting capacity, IP6 is not recommended for those who are about to undergo any type of surgery.

IP6 Dosing Recommendations

There are various foods that provide inositol hexaphosphate naturally. IP6 supplements are also available. No research has been conclusive concerning wether or not taking supplements of IP6 is as effective as obtaining it from the diet.

The optimal dose of IP6 supplements to take for a given individual will depend on several factors including state of health, age, gender and more. Not enough is known currently known to recommend a safe standard dosage that maximizes benefits.

Although Inositol Hexaphosphate supplements are considered generally safe, there is the possibility of unforeseen complications and symptoms. It’s always best to consult with your physician before beginning any supplementation program.

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